Hours after FIFA President Gianni Infantino reinforced Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, Donald Trump also spoke about the issue. Although the president of the United States endorsed the leader, he was disdainful of the Iranian team.
“If Gianni said that (that Iran will play in the World Cup), that’s fine with me,” said Trump, who was then asked about the possibility of the Iranian team winning the tournament. “I’m going to have to worry about that. You know what? Let them play. I told Gianni he can do whatever he wants.”
Afterwards, the president of the United States raised doubts about the quality of the Iranian team. “They can win. They probably have a good team. Do they? Do you have any ideas? It would be hard to believe that, actually. What I think: let them play.”
Infantino’s speech had been made at the 76th FIFA Annual Congress, in Vancouver, Canada. “Of course, Iran will play in the United States. And the reason is very simple: we need to unite and connect with people. FIFA unites the world. We must always remember to be positive,” said Infantino, in a speech in defense of peace, but without the presence of representatives from the Middle Eastern country among the 211 delegations.
The draw for the World Cup groups placed Iran in Group G, alongside New Zealand — their debut rival, on June 15th —, Belgium (they will face each other on the 21st) and Egypt, their opponent in the last round, on the 27th. All of the Iranian team’s games will be played on North American soil, with the first two in Inglewood, California, and the third in Seattle.
